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NASB | Matthew 5:31 ¶ "It was said, 'WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE'; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:31 ¶ "It has also been said, 'WHOEVER DIVORCES HIS WIFE IS TO GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE'; |
Bible Question: What does the bible say about mental illness? My spouse was diagnosed with bipolar disorder July 2001. I have done research and we have done research together. We are in counseling, and I am in individual counseling, but I still feel like giving up at times. I struggle with how this will affect our children as they get older. I'm looking for scriptures to give me hope. Thank you. |
Bible Answer: Dear Friend: You ask what the Bible says about mental illness. It says a lot about that, and it would take a long answer to cover what it says. But, which is what I think you are interested in, the Bible acknowledges that mental illness exists. Moreover, it is not something you should feel guilty about or ashamed; it is a part of the human condition. We are made up of body and soul (mind) and spirit, and any one of these can be ill. That is why we say (1Th 5:23) “the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”. And now you are looking for hope, which is exactly what you need. And may I say, you are closer to it that you may realize. Your heart is sick for lack of hope. But you will find it, maybe here on this forum. Solomon says (Proverbs 13:12) “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life”. You say you feel like giving up at times, and that is normal. But if you will accept the struggle, fight the good fight of faith, and win, then the victory will be for you and your children. If you are looking for scriptures to give you hope, know that you have them, and that is what they are there for. (Rom 15:4) For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. We have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:18,19). Do you understand? Do you accept that? When the saints of old felt low, like you are feeling now, they talked to themselves as follows: (Psa 42:5) Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. (Psa 42:11) Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Moreover, they talked to God like this: (Psa 38:15) “In thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.” (Psa 71:5) “Thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth”. The point here is this: There are biological factors (within the brain) and environmental factors (things happening around you) which may affect your mind for ill. It will help if you can accept that and not blame yourself for it. You will need to confess and forsake any known sin, and thus free your mind. You may need to consult a physician who can check out your chemical balance and prescribe medication if so indicated. And then you must look to the Lord, not for a temporary relief, but in a permanent attitude of trust. Isaiah testifies (26:3) that He keeps us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on him. Asaph says (Psa 78:7) that it is God’s design for people to “set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments”. You would do well to trust in the Lord. It will benefit your mental health because, according to (Psa 146:5) “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God”. Here is some free advice, that your focus should not be on your feelings, but on the Lord. Many a person has served the Lord while feeling badly in body, soul, and/or spirit. Give thanks to God for the measure of health that you do have, and serve him with it. Remember how Jesus said, “My soul is troubled … but ... Thy will be done”. Serve the Lord with gladness, my friend. Now, I have given you some scriptures here. Is that you were looking for? As we noted above, it is the Scripture that will give you hope. So I hope you got it. If you are saved, then say with Peter: (1Pe 1:3) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope”. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. According to Peter again, it is through him that we are believers in God, who raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God. If God raised Jesus from the dead, and he did, I trust he will also raise you from the depths of depression and hopelessness. If he lifted him into the heavens, and he did, I trust he will also lift you to heights of joy, as you trust in him and serve him. But say, What does Matthew 5:31 have to do with this? |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Matt 5:31 | Author | ||
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Phil Mills | ||
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Fuhrmon3375 | ||
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newoldstock | ||
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shpagach | ||
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Friend of God | ||
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Aixen7z4 | ||
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rhon1013 |